SIXTY firefighters battled a large blaze in a building in the centre of Edinburgh today.

The fire started in a Thomas Cook shop in Hanover Street at 3.30pm and spread to the roof of the four-storey building. Properties around the area have been evacuated.

Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue said no injuries have been reported.

A spokesman said: "Eleven fire appliances are at the scene and around 60 officers are dealing with the incident.

"The fire has spread into the roof space and is spreading thick smoke across the area. The building and other nearby properties have been evacuated and some roads have been closed."

Police were at the scene and traffic was diverted, including from nearby Princes Street and George Street.

At about 7pm a spokesman for Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue said officers are continuing to put out "pockets of fire" and were investigating exactly where the fire started.

He said: "Around 30 officers remain at the scene and are fighting the blaze in a two-storey outhouse at the rear of the Thomas Cook building.

"It's unclear if the fire may have started there and spread to the travel agent. There was a lot of smoke gathered in the shop and officers entered through it but investigations are continuing to establish the starting point."